Stephen Curry’s underpaid claim for NBA stars gets a surprising response from Lou Williams

Williams’ reaction reflects a common sentiment among former players. While the term “underpaid” may feel out of place given the massive contracts in today’s NBA, the idea of maximizing earnings is something few would argue against.

He also pointed out that Curry’s voice carries a different level of weight, especially given his status and influence within the league.

What Stephen Curry actually meant by NBA players being ‘underpaid’

Curry’s original point was less about salary figures and more about long-term value. He argued that while players earn significant money, they are still limited by the league’s structure, particularly when it comes to ownership and equity.

Under current rules, active NBA players cannot hold ownership stakes in teams, meaning they miss out on the massive rise in franchise valuations.

That gap is where Curry sees the imbalance. Teams have seen valuations explode over the past decade, with franchises like the Warriors growing into multi-billion-dollar assets, while player earnings remain tied to contracts and salary caps.

He also pointed to the NBA’s growing revenue streams, including a multi-billion-dollar media rights deal, suggesting that the league’s financial growth has outpaced what players can access directly.

In that sense, Curry’s argument is more about business structure than paycheck size, and that is where the debate becomes more complex.

Because while players are earning more than ever, the question he raised is whether they are fully sharing in the long-term value they help create.

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